Director, Strategy & Operations - North America Medical Affairs (Seaport MA)

Merck Group • $190K — $286K *
Boston, MA 02115In-Person
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
8 - 10 years of experience
1 week ago
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in business, life sciences, or related field; advanced degree preferred
  • 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, including Medical Affairs, strategy, operations, or related functions
  • Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives and transformation efforts in a matrixed environment
  • Strong understanding of drug development and Medical Affairs across the product lifecycle
  • Proven ability to work effectively with senior leadership
  • Experience managing complex programs or initiatives across multiple stakeholders
  • Strong strategic mindset combined with execution discipline.

Responsibilities

  • Partner with the SVP NAMA on strategic priorities and operational initiatives
  • Support definition and advancement of strategic initiatives aligned with R&D and commercial priorities
  • Establish and manage governance structures for decision-making and accountability
  • Drive leadership forums and prepare materials for effective communication
  • Lead execution of key strategic initiatives and manage associated risks
  • Track progress of initiatives for informed decision-making
  • Build strong relationships across functions for collaboration.

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off (PTO)
  • Retirement contributions
  • Potential performance-based bonuses
  • Perquisites.
Full Job Description
Your Role:

The Director, Strategy & Operations, North America Medical Affairs (NAMA) partners with the SVP and Head of NAMA and the NAMA Leadership Team to drive strategic execution, operational excellence, and cross-functional collaboration. This role supports planning, governance, and implementation of key initiatives, ensuring clarity, alignment, and measurable impact across NAMA.

Strategic Transformation and Planning
  • Partner with the SVP NAMA on strategic priorities, including key transformation and operational initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness and execution
  • Support the definition and advancement of strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with broader R&D and commercial priorities
  • Assess planned and ongoing initiatives for operational feasibility, impact, and alignment with global, regional and local objective
  • Drive identification of opportunities to enhance processes, capabilities, and ways of working across NAMA
    Governance, Cross-Functional Collaboration, and Communication
  • Establish and manage governance structures to support effective decision-making, transparency, and accountability across Medical Affairs initiatives
  • Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment and coordination on key Medical Affairs initiatives
  • Drive leadership forums, including agenda setting, preparation of materials, facilitation, and documentation of outcomes
  • Develop and deliver high-quality materials for leadership updates, presentations, and internal communications

Execution and Operational Excellence
  • Lead and/or support execution of key strategic and operational initiatives, ensuring clear milestones, risks are managed, and outcomes are delivered
  • Provide program management support across priority initiatives, driving coordination and follow-through across stakeholders
  • Track progress and performance of initiatives, enabling visibility and informed decision-making
  • Identify operational gaps and implement continuous improvement opportunities to enhance efficiency and effectiveness

Stakeholder Engagement and Alignment
  • Partner with senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to drive alignment, address risks, and support execution of priority initiatives
  • Serve as a central coordination point across NAMA and key partner functions to ensure alignment and delivery of objectives
  • Build strong working relationships across functions to facilitate collaboration and effective decision-making

Strategic Impact:
  • This role plays a critical role in strengthening the effectiveness of North America Medical Affairs by enabling strategic alignment, improving execution discipline, and driving operational excellence across the region. The Director supports the organization in delivering on key priorities and enhancing overall performance and impact.
    Collaboration
  • Maintains strong collaboration with North America Medical Affairs leadership and functional stakeholders to support execution of strategic and operational priorities
  • Partners closely with the Head of North America Medical Affairs and the North America Medical Affairs Leadership Team to drive alignment, governance, and decision-making
  • Works in close coordination with the NAMA leadership team to align on priorities, share best practices, and ensure consistency in strategy execution approaches
  • Collaborates with cross-functional partners including Commercial, R&D, Finance, HR, Legal, and other enabling functions to ensure alignment and delivery of key initiatives
  • Engages with functional teams across Medical Affairs to support coordination, information flow, and implementation of strategic initiatives
  • Maintains collaboration with external vendors and partners supporting strategic initiatives, analytics, and operational programs
  • Engages with external consultants, as needed, to support delivery of key strategic and operational initiatives
  • Keeps informed of industry best practices and external trends to support continuous improvement and innovation in Medical Affairs operations


Who You Are

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, life sciences, or related field; advanced degree preferred
  • 10+ years of experience in the pharmaceutical or biotech industry, including Medical Affairs, strategy, operations, or related functions


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Demonstrated experience leading strategic initiatives, transformation efforts, and cross-functional programs in a matrixed environment
  • Strong understanding of drug development and Medical Affairs across the product lifecycle, including familiarity with regulatory frameworks and clinical development processes
  • Experience supporting organizational change, transformation initiatives, and process improvement efforts within Medical Affairs or R&D environments
  • Proven ability to work effectively with senior leadership, providing strategic and operational input to inform decision-making and advance key priorities
  • Experience managing complex programs or initiatives, including planning, tracking, and ensuring delivery of outcomes across multiple stakeholders
  • Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in a matrixed, cross-functional environment, building alignment across diverse stakeholders and functions
  • Strong strategic mindset combined with execution discipline, with the ability to translate priorities into actionable plans and measurable outcomes
  • Experience preparing and delivering materials for executive-level audiences, including presentations and strategic communication


Location: Onsite Seaport MA

Pay Range for this position: $190,800 - $286,200

The offer range represents the anticipated low and high end of the base pay compensation for this position. The actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level of experience, education, skills, and other job-related factors. Position may be eligible for sales or performance-based bonuses. Benefits offered by the Company include health insurance, paid time off (PTO), retirement contributions, and other perquisites. For more information click here.

About Merck Group

Merck Group Careers

There has never been a more opportune time to join Merck Group, a leading science and technology company in healthcare, life science, and performance materials. Merck Group offers a plethora of job opportunities that cater to a variety of skills and professional aspirations, making it an ideal environment for both seasoned experts and those at the start of their career journey.

Work You’ll Do

At Merck Group, every team member contributes to breakthrough innovations in healthcare, life sciences, and electronics. The company's commitment to diversity and innovation fuels its leadership in various sectors, driving growth and transformation globally. Merck Group’s career paths are diverse, offering positions that challenge individuals to use their skills in new ways every day, supported by robust training programs and development opportunities.

Explore Job Opportunities and Growth

Merck Group is not just about jobs; it's about building a career. With a vast array of positions, from research and development to marketing and sales, the company is keen on hiring and nurturing talent to lead industry transformation. Merck Group’s dedication to professional growth is evident in its comprehensive benefits package and performance management processes that aim to maximize individual potential.

Internship Programs

Starting with an internship at Merck Group can be a pivotal step in securing a prosperous career. Interns gain invaluable industry experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and engaging in projects that offer real-world applications of their studies. Internships often lead to full-time employment opportunities, providing a seamless transition from education to professional employment.

Inclusive Culture and Leadership

Merck Group is proud of its inclusive culture that embraces diversity and fosters an environment where all employees can thrive. The company’s leadership is committed to creating a workplace where diverse ideas lead to innovative outcomes. Merck Group also offers diversity training to ensure all team members are equipped to contribute to the company’s inclusive goals.

Networking and Professional Development

Employees at Merck Group are encouraged to engage in networking and professional development activities that enhance their career trajectories. The company hosts various networking events, workshops, and seminars that are designed to hone skills and foster connections within the industry. Leadership development programs are also a cornerstone, preparing employees for future roles of increased responsibility.

Stay Connected with Merck Group Careers

Interested candidates can explore open positions that match their skills and interests through the Merck Group careers page. The company values curious, creative, and solution-driven team players who are eager to make an impact.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights from Merck Group professionals. These resources are invaluable for those looking to advance their careers and stay ahead in a competitive job market.

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences from Merck Group. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await.

SEARCH MERCK GROUP JOBS

READ CAREERS BLOG

Merck Group is continuously looking for individuals who are ready to drive innovation and lead in the global marketplace. Whether through full-time positions, internships, or leadership roles, Merck Group offers a career path filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and leadership.
Learn more about Merck Group
Industry
Pharmaceuticals & Biotech
* Ladders Estimates

Similar Jobs

Ad banner background

Get Ready For Your
Next Interview

More Jobs at Merck Group

More Pharmaceuticals & Biotech Jobs

Find similar Director, Strategy & Operations - North America Medical Affairs (Seaport MA) jobs:

NationwideBoston, MA